Regarding the AquaMax Largemouth, when Griffin first created it, we fed it to largemouth bass in Richmond Mill Lake. I sent him several fish early on because I was concerned about their livers and body fat content. We both agreed there was too much fat and the fish weren't a natural color. Griffin tweaked the feed, sent another load and we fed it. He reduced the amount of fat, added more fish meal, changed the starches a little bit, changed the vitamin package and it made a huge difference.
Bob, this is exactly the info I was waiting for. I, like many, primarily feed forage fish. My goal is to get those fish through the first year, with a size large enough to survive smaller LMB attacks. I have no doubt that live forage is probably "better" long term, but that's not my immediate goal. I would assume that all retail fisheries feel the same way.
If I put 1000 1" CNBG in my lake, I'll lose them as quickly as 1000 1" FHM. I need those CNBG to get to the 2-4" inch range as quickly as I can, and supplemental feeding does that for me. Long term, the CNBG will survive in greater numbers, revert to live forage, and the purpose of the feeding to begin with has been accomplished for me. Many babies are feed formula until they're able to adapt to solid foods. It provides the nutrition that baby initially needs, but you wouldn't feed the same formula to a teenager.
I usually try to only feed Purina Aquamax, and if they're aware of the concerns, and are working on the mixes, then I think I've made the right choice. Rightly or wrongly, If I get the size I need as quickly as possible, then I'm fine with a slightly fatty CNBG liver. If the formula's are tweaked, and become even better for the fish long term, than that's a bonus for me.
